Hooper and Coleman late scratchings as Simmons set to play 100th Test

A couple of “little niggles” have ruled Michael Hooper and Adam Coleman out of Australia’s final pool match against Georgia, meaning the side's regular captain may have to wait until next year to bring up his 100th Test if the Wallabies are knocked out of the quarter-finals next weekend in Oita.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Rob Simmons have both been called up to Australia’s bench and the latter will achieve a significant milestone on Friday, should he take the field, by becoming just the 11th Wallaby to chalk up 100 Tests.

Out: Michael Hooper has been ruled out of Australia's final pool match on Friday against Georgia. Credit:Rugby AU Media/Stuart Walmsley

The late scratching of Hooper and Coleman was in part because the Wallabies knew they could rest two key players given on Wednesday evening the men in gold were confirmed starters in the quarter-final after Fiji’s loss to Wales.

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Assistant coach Simon Raiwalui insisted the pair would not be in danger of missing a quarter-final.

Australia would want to hope Hooper’s niggle is not too serious because they will need their inspirational captain at his absolute best if the Wallabies are to spring an upset next Saturday against likely quarter-final opponents England.

It would have been a special occasion for Hooper to bring up his 100th Test against England, however one could argue it would be even more significant if he did so in a World Cup semi-final that would likely be against New Zealand.

The Wallabies have lost all six matches against England since the last World Cup and if the trend continues, Hooper may have to wait until next year against Ireland to bring up a century of matches on home soil.

If Hooper does reach the milestone at the World Cup, it will be the quickest period of time for any player in Test history to do so. If he does so in a semi-final, it will have taken seven years and 144 days.

By comparison, if Simmons comes onto the field in the second half against the 13th ranked Georgians, the second-row stalwart will have brought up the magical 100 mark in nine years, two months and 18 days.

George Gregan (139), Stephen Moore (129), Adam Ashley-Cooper (121), Nathan Sharpe (116), George Smith (111), Sekope Kepu (109), Will Genia (108), Matt Giteau (103), Stephen Larkham 102) and David Campese (101) are the only other Australians to have made it to 100 Tests.

“In true Simmo fashion he didn't want anything made of it until after the game,” said stand-in Wallabies captain David Pocock, who played in Simmons’ debut against South Africa in Brisbane in 2010.

"He's a well-loved member of the team. One of those guys who goes about his business [and is] very dependable. He's clearly been pretty robust to play 100 games.

“It is pretty amazing to have someone like him on the bench and to be able to call on someone like that with that experience, knowing he steps up when he's needed.

A looming typhoon could make the Friday evening fixture a wet one, meaning a stable set-piece is imperative for the Australians against a Georgian side who pride themselves in that department.

"We have seen how good they are around set-piece, they relish it,” Pocock said. “Their forward pack loves to rumble it forward. That's a really big threat for us to deal with and from there try and play our game. We have done our homework. You give every team the respect they deserve. I feel like we have prepped well."

The main objectives for the Wallabies will be to start well, improve discipline, ensure combinations flourish and arrive back in Tokyo with no injuries or possible suspensions before a knockout clash next weekend.

“I’m excited to be part of it and I guess some guys get a chance to push for selection going forward, so there will be plenty in it,” Pocock said.